Rhino poaching in Africa has risen to levels not seen in almost two decades. Black rhinos remain critically endangered because of the demand for its horns on the illegal international market, mainly in Asia, where they are used for traditional medicine, and increasingly as a status symbol to display success and wealth.

Unlike most animal horns, which are comprised of a bony core coated by a relatively thin layer of keratin, rhino horns are solely made of keratin, a naturally-produced protein that strengthens hair, skin and nails in humans.

Rhinoceros horns are also incredibly in demand across Asia due to their supposed therapeutic properties, although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Despite the fact that there is no scientific proof of its medical value, the rhino horn remains highly-prized in traditional Asian medicine, where it is ground into a fine powder as a treatment for a variety of illnesses, such as nosebleeds and fevers.

As an effective measure to counter poaching of the African rhino in South Africa, is the incorporation of nuclear or radioactive elements in order to keep them safe from human consumption.

Today, to benefit humankind, radiation is also used in medicine, academics and industry, as well as generating electricity.

Crime-combating measures

Since lots of African rhinoceros are poached for their meat and horns, researchers have devised a new way to stop these rare species from extinction, and also to stop poaching activities. As such, researchers at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa have injected radioactive material into the horns of 20 rhinos as part of a research project aimed at reducing poaching.

Their horns are now being implanted with state-of-the-art radioactive isotopes that are strong enough to set off detectors that are installed globally as they pass in proximity. The isotopes are intended to devalue rhino horns on the black market by making them traceable at airports and harbours.

Also, the unusual material would render the horn worthless; essentially, it would become incredibly poisonous for human consumption, but the isotopes being embedded would pose no harm to the animals.

The idea is that radiation detectors already in place at national borders would detect the horns with embedded radioactive isotopes and help authorities arrest poachers and traffickers. This would undoubtedly be the most coherent anti-poaching strategy.

The scientists are careful to ensure the safety of rhinos when injecting radioactive isotopes into their horns. 

It is a delicate procedure that involves a multi-step process, starting with careful planning and preparation. The first step is to choose the right isotopes, considering factors like half-life and radiation intensity. 

They then need to determine the optimal injection dose, ensuring it’s enough to effectively track the horn, but not harm the rhino.

The injection itself is performed under sedation by a skilled veterinarian, who meticulously targets the horn to minimise discomfort. Following the procedure, the team then takes follow-up blood samples to ensure the rhinos are effectively protected, and the rhinos are closely monitored for any potential adverse effects. The isotopes would last five years on the horn, which was cheaper than dehorning every 18 months.

Effects of poaching

Poaching contributes to extinction and the systematic loss of biodiversity. Between 2008 and 2021, around 11 000 rhinos were poached in Africa. 

The latest reports from national governments and agencies reveal so far that approximately 548 rhinos were poached in Africa in 2023. Overall, the total is a slight increase compared to 2021, when 539 rhinos were poached.

This is a significant change from 2013–2017, when more than 1 000 rhinos were killed each year, yet, it is still dangerously high. On average, one rhino is poached every 16 hours.

Admittedly, in Zimbabwe, between 2008 and 2019, 702 rhinos were killed, an average of 58 animals per year. However, most of the rhinos poached last year were killed in Namibia and South Africa. 

Tragically, poaching in Namibia almost doubled in 2022: 87 rhinos were killed in 2002, up from 45 in 2021. More than half of these incidents took place in Etosha National Park, Namibia’s flagship park and tourism hotspot.

In addition, between 2017 and 2021 alone, more than 1 700 rhinos were poached in Kruger National Park, South Africa. In 2021, however, there was a big fall, with 41% fewer rhinos poached. In contrast to Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, Botswana reported fewer poaching cases in 2022.

Yet, the overall picture remains worrying. More than 140 rhinos have been poached in Botswana since 2018, in a country with, as of December 2021, approximately 265 rhinos in total. Following a steep decline from 1 134 in 2017 to 503 in 2020, annual poaching across Africa seems to be hovering around 540 incidents.

In closing, the rhinoceros, the African forest elephant, and the savanna elephant are listed as critically endangered species that must be protected at all costs.

Animals usually become endangered because of overhunting or the destruction of their habitat. 

An animal that is endangered is close to extinction, meaning there aren’t very many of that type of animal left in the world.

Overall, the global rhino population stood at around 500 000 at the beginning of the 20th century. It now regretfully stands at 27 000 due to continued demand for rhino horns on the black market. 

If this clinical trial proves successful, as it appears to be, then embedding nuclear isotopes into rhino horns would be the most effective strategy to combat poaching in our environment. In this respect, Namibia is encouraged to take the initiative as well.

*JB Tjivikua is a retired major general of the Namibian Police.